Lateral entry in UPSC

Government Calls Off UPSC's Lateral Entry: What Just Happened? 🎢

The Centre has officially instructed UPSC to cancel its recent advertisement for lateral entry positions, raising eyebrows and questions! Dive in to know the scoop!

In a surprising turn of events, the Central Government has directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to cancel its recent advertisement for 45 lateral entry positions, which included roles like Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary. This directive aims to address growing concerns around social justice and reservations, a move that seems to be a response to increasing pressure from various political allies. Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh specifically highlighted that these positions lacked reserved quotas, raising red flags about equitable representation in government roles.

Initially, the lateral entry scheme garnered interest as it opened doors for private sector professionals to apply directly for senior roles within government ministries, bypassing the traditional civil service exams. However, the sudden cancellation has thrown a wrench in the plans of many aspiring candidates who were gearing up to make the leap from private to public service. Some even viewed this as an opportunity to infuse fresh talent into the bureaucracy, but with the government's quick reversal, the dream is dashed for now.

Critics of the scheme, including members of the opposition for the INDIA bloc and certain NDA allies, voiced their concerns regarding the perceived favoritism in these appointments, particularly because of the lack of reservation slots. They argued that the bureaucracy should reflect the diverse societal fabric of India, thus pushing the government to reassess its stance on equal opportunities in high-level positions. Following the directive, UPSC swiftly complied, sending ripples through the civil services aspirant community and raising questions about the future of similar initiatives.

To put it in perspective, the cancellation of the lateral entry advertisement can be seen as a chess move in the political landscape of India, with each party maneuvering to ensure they hold onto their base. Almost eerily reminiscent of the fickleness of the weather in October, the circumstances surrounding civil service recruitment seem to change as often as the seasons! In addition, it's worth noting that India has over 1.1 million positions waiting to be filled in various government sectors, showcasing the pressing need for reforms and transparency in how these appointments are handled.

Interestingly, lateral entries are a concept not entirely foreign to other nations either! Countries like Canada and Australia have successful lateral entry programs, allowing for the infusion of skills from the private sector. However, those programs often include rigorous assessments to ensure candidates align with public interests. Will India take notes from these models or forge its own path? Only time will tell!